"Is it on?"

"Yup, it's rolling."

"(Giggles)Well then get out of the way, Satoshi."

"(Laughs)Hold on, I gotta adjust the lens."

In the middle of a parking lot, Masaki and Satoshi are operating a camera while Mizuki stands from a distance, part of a mountain and a road behind her in the background.

"Should we be recording this?"

"We can edit out the stuff later."

"No, keep it. It's much more real this way."

"Hey guys, hurry up. The others are waiting."

"Alright, I've got it. You ready?"

"Dude, I've been standing here for the past five minutes."

"Haha, okay here we go...and~ action!"

Mizuki waves to the camera.

"Hey guys! It's Mizuki, here...so uh...I just want to give a shout out to the teams who I've selected to watch this video document."

"Come on, Mizuki, relax a little."

"I-I am," she flusters, "besides, this is gonna lead up to some important stuff you know."

"If we can get a move on, please~..."

"Right, right, sorry."

"Continue, Little Blossom."

"Thanks Masaki. Anyway, I'm doing this to say thank you for making me feel welcomed after four long years away from home...and to say farewell. As such, I think it's only right that I tell you the rest of the details that I've left out, cause, well...I'm not sure when you'll have time to watch this so...here goes."

Mizuki takes a deep breath and relaxes her shoulders.

"Some of you already know that I've been accepted into Tohoku University; that fact is true. However...I won't be living in Miyagi Prefecture. The truth is..."

Masaki slowly moves the camera on the revolving stick, following Mizuki's movements. They soon stop right where you can see the town and sea from below.

"My new home will be here...in Tokyo."

She points at the iconic tower sticking out like a toothpick from the distance.

"And that's not even the most shocking news, because...well..."

"Mizuki and I have been had!"

Akira jumps in front of her.

"Skye, don't do that!"

"Sorry but I couldn't take the suspense~! Also I'm still mad at Shotarou-san for lying to us."

"Ah, hey, what are you—"

Akira forcibly moves the camera towards the elderly coach standing by.

"Were we not trustworthy enough to know this extremely important detail, old man!? What the heck!"

"I said I was sorry," Shotarou laughs, "but you're still thrilled about it."

"Skye, will you please just—Masaki!"

"Don't worry, I got it."

Mizuki pulls Akira back to her side.

"Now where the heck was I...oh yeah! So, I'll be living at Skye's place over here."

"We'll pay rent and stuff until she's able to get her own digs."

"Besides the whole moving thing, we've got something to show you. Are you guys ready?"

Mizuki and Skye reach out and both college boys each throw a jacket to them.

"Ready, and~..."

FWIP!

With both hands, they fan out the jackets showing the logo on the back.

"The real surprise is that we've been scouted to join the professional team here in Tokyo: the Valiant Paragons!"

"WHOO/YEAH~!"

Out comes the girls/band members from Aoba Johsai, cheering as they stand beside their friends.

"And we are so excited for them!

"And get this...those girls Fuji-san and Kanato-san are also new members of that team!"

"But this means Mizuki and Skye will be the youngest members to join Valiant Paragons! How cool is that!?"

"They had us fooled a while, didn't they?"

"To put it simply, that's the real team we'll be seeing for the welcoming match. Of course, Skye and I will still attend Tohoku, but most of our classes will be online."

"We worked it out with the professors, but there's a few we'll have to attend on campus as well."

"I'll still be working part-time at Izumi's shop Shinjou's back in Tokyo."

"That's our girl!"

"She's got the case of the 'workaholic' now."

The girls share a laugh before Mizuki continues.

"I know this is a lot to take in guys, and I'm sure you're making the funniest faces I'll never see...but I just want you to know that I'm glad how things turned out. Through all the adventures we've had this year, I'm honestly happy to know that it's been a memorable one."

She takes a few steps forward.

"You guys have been with me since day one...but it's time for me to step out. Still...this will be the start of the toughest part of my life yet. I'll probably laugh it off after hard work and dedication and all...but yeah...I have faith in this. I don't need to worry about you guys anymore...so please, don't worry about me when the time comes. Let's just keep supporting each other now and in the future. So once again..."

Mizuki takes a bow with respect.

"Shiratorizawa...thank you very much. Fukurodani...thank you very much. Aoba Johsai...thank you...very much! Nekoma...sniff...t-thank you very much! Kara...And finally, Karasuno...thank you very much!!"

Lifting her head, she hides her tears with her arm before wiping them away. Her smile shines much brighter than the sun beaming down on them.

"Thank you for everything."

From behind, Akira tosses up a volleyball.

FWOOM~!

Which Mizuki instantly catches with her high jump.

With a perfect landing, she regains her posture.

"We'll meet again for sure. For now, I'm going ahead of you."

She lifts the ball out to the camera, showing the bold black words printed in front.

"So catch up to me! Let's all go...'To The Top'!"

Mizuki holds the ball close as her friends join her side, waving just before Satoshi raises his hand.

"Okay, that's a wrap!"

"We're done~!"

"Good job, Mizuki."

"Thanks, Miyu."

"Let's all grab something to eat."

"Good idea, Hana. Where to?"

"Shinjou's shop?"

"We had noodles yesterday."

"So we'll have noodles again. But in Tokyo."

"How's that any different?"

"It's the setting."

"Ahaha!"

"Well, let's get a move on. If I ask, Shinjou might let me cook our meals. I've been dying to try this new recipe out."

"Ooh~ sounds promising."

"Then let's get a move on."

"Ahh~!"

"Eh/Uh?"

"Satoshi!"

"W-What, what's wrong?"

"The camera's still on!"

"Eh?...Aw, crap man!"

"Pfft~ hahaha! Y-You...you're such an idiot!"

"Dummy, you forgot to turn it off."

"My bad."

"Come on, stop the video. You're gonna waste film."

"Oh, let it be. Like you said, this is more our style."

"Relax, I got this."

"Matsuko, book us a table ahead!"

"Alright!"

"I'll start the car, guys."

Mizuki comes to the camera, getting a closeup of her smiling once more.

"Let's all play a match together one day. I'll be waiting."

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Chirp-Chirp...Chirp-Chirp!

"......Mm~..."

Rustle~

Rising up from my blankets, I run a hand through my hair and rub my eyes.

Beep-Beep—Beep!

I don't waste a second turning off the alarm on my phone.

"Fwuaa~."

I yawn into my hand then slide out of bed, heading for the bathroom.

"Today's the next round."

Clank-Clank-Clank!

After changing and eating breakfast, I make two bentos for me and my brother.

"Okay...let's get going."

I stand at the bottom of the stairs.

"Shoyo~! Time to get up!"

I wait for a few seconds, but no response.

"Geez, is he still asleep?"

"I'm ready, Onee-chan."

That's when I see my sister coming down with her backpack.

"Morning Natsu. Is Shoyo still in bed?"

"Mm-mm...he left early."

"Woah, really?"

I check the front and notice his shoes weren't there.

'Huh...who would've guessed.'

*Clinking*

"I'm locking the door now. Do you have everything?"

"Yup!"

"Hinata~!"

"Let's go Hinata!"

"Coming~! I'll see you later, Onee-chan! Good luck!"

"Be careful, Natsu!"

I wave as she runs towards her schoolmates. I stretch my arms up and start walking myself. I check my phone and see a text from Keishin.

[Go on ahead of us. I need to have a brief meeting with the team.]

"...Hmm...alright then."

I put my phone away and jog the rest of the way to the nearest bus stop.

I'm finally at the Sendai Gymnasium. Like before, the team will continue to play another two games. One that I know will be intense. Unfortunately, my time here will be cut short.

'But it's okay.'

I walk towards the entrance.

'They know everything now, and that's what I intended.'

Looking around, I realize how early it still is. So, I grab myself a juice from a vending machine and stay on the outdoor plaza stairs that lead to the second floor. I lean back, my arm propped on the railing as I take a few sips of the fruity flavor. A sigh escapes me.

"...It's so quiet."

Whoosh~

I feel more relaxed as a gentle breeze hits my back.

'There's nothing for me to worry about anymore.'

"ARGH~!"

I flinch hearing a frustrated yell out of the blue. Glancing downstairs, I see two grade schoolers, a boy and a girl, their backs turned while sitting near the landing below me.

"It's so unfair!"

"Hey come on, bro, it's not that big of a deal."

"But it is! You practiced day and night for this!"

Fweet-Fweet!

I whistle to get their attention. Getting a good look, I think they're fraternal twins. Their eyes grow twice as big as their mouths do.

"Y-You're...!"

"H-Hinata-san?!"

"Woah, clam down," I laugh, "don't want you screaming your heads off. Sorry, but I couldn't help but overhear your conversation."

"Oh, uh, we're sorry."

"We didn't mean to disturb you."

"Don't worry, you're not. Sounds like you're having some trouble."

I sit on top of the stairs and pat the empty space near me.

"I can lend you my ear if you want."

"Y-You mean, you want us to hang out with you?"

"Can we?"

"You're alone without your parents nearby?"

"W-Well..."

"We kind of ran away from our butler when he wasn't looking."

"Heh~ so you're from a rich family, huh?"

"Please don't say that. I hate it when people judge us like we're all snobs."

"Then that's their problem for not seeing how nice you two are. Now come on, sit down."

They do so and I put my drink down.

"Still, that doesn't mean you should make your butler worry about you two like this. Does he treat you well?"

"He does, really!"

"Better than our own parents."

"Big bro..."

"It's their fault, not ours!"

"What my brother means is, mom and dad won't be coming to see me practice for tryouts for the volleyball team."

"Ah~ I see...so this is what you were yelling about."

"Y-Yeah..."

"Are they usually busy?"

"Most of the time. They also go to parties to meet people who work for them."

"I don't care how important their client is! They should put family first!"

"I know you're upset, but that doesn't mean you should blame everything on your parents."

"But they never show up when we need them! Why can't they just say 'no' and stay with us?! I hate it...I hate them..."

"Bro, they always apologize. Don't be too hard on them. They love us."

"Then why can't they make the effort to come?!"

"Please calm down! I'm really sorry, Hinata-san. Our family doesn't often get into fights."

"But it's the truth! It's just not fair!"

"...Hah...I know how you feel. Life doesn't always go our way...but that doesn't mean everything will turn out bad for us."

"You're just saying that..."

"It's true."

He stubbornly crosses his arms and looks the other way. I sigh and rub his head.

"I'm sure your parents feel the same way, even if one or both of you start to hate them. Try not to lose faith so soon. If your parents are anything like mine, then their love for you will be stronger than anything."

"... ..."

"Young master! Little miss!"

"Nishimura-san!"

An elderly man in a suit comes upstairs, out of breath.

"Thank goodness you're alright."

"Hello, sir," I bow, "I'm Hinata Mizuki. I just happened to run into them."

"I-I'm very sorry for the inconvenience, Hinata-sama."

"Oh no, it's fine. We were just talking. Now then, you two apologize."

The twins bow as well.

"We're really sorry, Nishimura-san."

"No, no, no, please do not worry for my sake."

"But we are sorry."

"We didn't mean to make you worry."

They surprise Nishimura-san with a hug.

"Thank you for always taking good care of us."

"We'll try not to run away again."

"We like you, so we want you to stay with us forever."

"But call us by our real names. You're family, too."

This brings a tear to the elderly man as he pats their backs.

"Thank you so much, children. I promise to continue to care for you."

I pick up my drink.

"I'll be going now, sir."

"Ah, yes. Thank you for watching them."

"You're welcome."

"Hinata-san!"

I look down at the twins.

"U-Um...my name's Nakajima Takahiro."

"And I'm Nakajima Sachi."

"Thank you for hearing me out. I, uh...I'll remember what you said."

"Hinata-san...one day, I wanna play a match with you when I become a professional."

"And I'll be her coach, so it'll be even more exciting if we see each other again."

"Hahaha...it would, wouldn't it? Just remember to play smart, work together as a team, don't stray from your goals, and be stay true to yourselves, no matter what anyone says or what gets in your way. When you're ready to compete, I'll be waiting."

"(Unison)Yeah!"

I bid them farewell and go back inside. Somehow, that talk makes my heart feel lighter, as if the burden is slowly fading.

C-Clack

I start walking down the hallway.

"Hinata-san!"

"Eh?"

RUMBLE~

"Ah, w-wha...huh?!"

Out of nowhere, I'm surrounded by five people with notepads and recorders.

"What are your thoughts on today's events?"

"Is it true Karasuno's #10 is your relative?"

"What chances do the once infamous team have to regain their status?"

Though annoyed, I try to stay calm and clear my throat.

"Sorry but Karasuno's performance is not for me to comment. However, like the remaining teams that are competing today, it's up to them to decide their chances to the nationals."

"Hinata-san, I'd like an interview please!"

"Can you at least comment on the rumors of you joining a professional team!"

"Have you been undergoing training since you arrived back?"

"Ah, hey...e-excuse me, but let me pass!"

"Talk about noisy!"

"(All)Ah/Eh/Gasp!"

Their jaws drop and I quickly turn around to see a man in casual attire with a fedora. He looks to be around Masaki's and Satoshi's age. His sharp eyes stare into the others.

"S-Shoot..."

"It's Akiyama-san."

'Akiyama-san...?'

"Still flocking like a bunch of pigeons, I see," he chuckles dryly, "hate to break it to ya, but her former coach gave me full clearance to speak with her."

"Ngh/Urgh/Eh..."

"Beat it."

DASH!

"(Unison)Excuse us~!"

Like that, they leave in a hurry.

"You okay, Miss Sunshine?"

"Uh...yeah...thank you."

"It looked like you were having a tough time, so I had to jump in. Ah, but I do speak the truth."

"Oh, so you are here for an interview. Sorry to sound suspicious, but can you confirm it?"

"Here. I saved this message I received from Shoutarou-sensei."

He shows the paper.

"...Hmm...yup, that's his handwriting. He even drew that symbol to identify himself to me."

"You can call him if you want."

"Later on. Anyway...those people referred you as Akiyama."

"That's right. My name is Akiyama Yoshio."

"...Huh?"

"I'm not lying. Here's my card."

I stare at the plaque then at him, back and forth a few times.

"I'm with the (Company/n) Sports News. Nice to meet you."

"......Oh my god, you are him!!"

Akiyama-san's a famous journalist specializing in publishing the updates on today's sports and interviewing many athletes from high schoolers to professionals.

"Ahaha! So even the Illusive Deity and Double-Dealing Mercenary knows who I am."

"Who doesn't?! Even if you're in your mid-twenties, you accuracy on the facts mixed with your intellectual judgement on matters concerning the teams or players is no less than a great accomplishment throughout your life. I've never seen such clean reports. I really admire your work, sir."

"I'm honored. Let me walk you downstairs."

"Oh, thank you."

We proceed to the stairs while conversing.

"Why come all this way? You're stationed in Tokyo aren't you?"

"So are you. That's why Shoutarou-sensei asked me to unveil your contract through my report. To clear up any false accusations."

"Huh...that's unexpected. Normally, sensei would drive reporters away unless permitted. He's got an iron grip around people like them cause of his connections and relationships with old trusted friends. But if he actually requested you for a favor, then he must really trust you."

"I grew up in a small town before moving to Tokyo. I know what it's like to hear the never-ending gossip and the truth barely surfacing."

We stop in the middle of the main floor.

"If you'll permit me, Hinata-san...I promise to only publish the facts and exclude anything personal that would make you feel uncomfortable. Let me have this opportunity to know the real Hinata Mizuki."

Like most business people, he bows in respect. But he doesn't hide his sincerity.

"...Huff...what do you know?"

I put one hand on my hip.

"There's still good people in the world after all."

"Ah...so then..."

"Akiyama-san...if possible, I'd like to rely on you to interview me now and in the future. I could use someone like you on my side to straighten out the facts versus gossip. I'd really appreciate your cooperation."

"H-Hey now...I'm the one who's in your debt."

I can't help but chuckle, making him do the same.

Clasp!

With a friendly gesture, we shake hands.

"Hinata-san...I'll be looking forward to interviewing your life's history and your progress as a volleyball professional."

"I'll be counting on you as well, Akiyama-san."

"MIZUKI-SAN~!!"

We flinch by the sudden outburst of my name.

BAM/ACK!